Associate Project Officer, Case Management

Position Title: Associate Project Officer, Case Management

Duty Station: Doha, Qatar

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P1

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, nine months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 26 May 2022

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates

2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to thousands of refugees each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight, and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

Under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), the Resettlement Support Center (RSC) provides critical support and processing services for resettlement to the US. As part of an MOU between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages the RSC for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). RSC MENA prepares applications for adjudication by and provides support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitates security and medical screenings, provides information about arriving individuals to resettlement agencies in the US and offers Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Project Manager, RSC MENA, and the direct supervision of a Project Officer, Case Management, RSC MENA-Qatar Processing Site, the successful candidate will be based in Doha, Qatar and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Participate in the processing of refugee files for the USRAP. As needed, oversee team members undertaking casework and providing support to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers on circuit rides.

2. Adhere to all security protocols and procedures and all circuit ride guidelines and procedures. Associate Project Officers must be ready, willing, and able to travel to and work in temporary field operations such as Doha, Qatar and to pass all security and medical clearances required to work in locations throughout the region.

3. Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of USRAP refugee file processing following guidelines set forth by the program and adapting knowledge as guidelines are issued or updated.

4. Conduct interviews with refugee applicants in a dignified and professional manner while maintaining the integrity of IOM and adhering to the Code of Conduct. Record refugee statements by writing factual, accurate case histories that capture each applicant’s individual persecution story.

5. Accurately record all biographic data and family relationships for all refugee applicants. Verify, translate, scan, and photocopy all documents required for each refugee file for the purposes of case preparation and/or employment verification. Complete data entry for cases that are created in the database.

6. As required, provide support to visiting USCIS officers, including preparing and quality-checking refugee case files, providing assistance as interviews are conducted and completing other administrative tasks such as updating files and decisions, communicating issues and results to the Field Team support staff, escorting refugee applicants and rescheduling interviews.

7. As required, provide administrative support to the RSC team and management, including but not limited to support related to the processing of family reunification cases, interpreting for refugee interviews, escorting refugee applicants, preparing, organizing and inventorying refugee case files and assisting with logistical support such as flight bookings, housing arrangements or security clearances.

8. Operate under stressful working and living conditions while maintaining a collegial team environment and productive working relationships with both colleagues and implementing partners.

9. Ensure the data integrity of RSC MENA refugee records in the START (USRAP Processing System) database. Utilize new tools to improve the quality of information entered into and extracted from START.

10. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert a Project Officer or Manager of RSC MENA-Qatar Processing Site of any non-compliance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or codes of conduct.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, or

• University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in USRAP, particularly in RSC casework and USCIS adjudications support activities is preferred;

• Experience serving in hardship locations, particularly in the region, is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with a team;

• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications, with experience using the START (USRAP Processing System) an advantage;

• Knowledge of USRAP program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial and business rules and practices is desirable

• Takes responsibility and manages constructive criticism;

• Works effectively with all clients and stakeholders;

• Promotes continuous learning; communicates clearly;

• Takes initiative and drives high levels of performance management;

• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;

• Displays mastery of subject matter;

• Contributes to a collegial team environment;

• Incorporates gender-related needs, perspectives, and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation;

• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;

• Works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

• Delivers on set objectives in hardship situations;

• Effectively coordinates actions with other implementing partners;

• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Dario or Pashto is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database

(https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.